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How to Find the Right Roommate in NYC
With the high cost of rent in New York, it’s no surprise that many people end up living with roommates. The wrong roommate, however, can be a nightmare to deal with. That doesn’t mean you have to find someone you know to move in with or that you have to just take your chances. If you’re looking for someone to move in with you or you’re looking for a room to rent and want to start off with a roommate, we can help you find the perfect roommate
How much Does Rent cost in NYC?
New York, the City that Never Sleeps, is the perfect place for someone who enjoys a challenge, wants to live somewhere filled with excitement or wants the big city life. Many people move to NYC to launch a career in financial services, fashion, marketing or entertainment and be a part of the big city life. Ready to move here? Well, you may be surprised at just how high rent can be.
While rents have gone down recently, they are still the highest nationwide. Excluding ultra-high-end apartments, Manhattan rentals average at around $3,000 per month. With Studios averaging ~$2,100, One Bedroom for ~$2,775 and ~$3,600 for a two bedroom apartment. The most expensive neighborhoods include Tribeca, Battery Park, and Soho / Nolita with an average rental cost of above $3,500. An average two bedroom apartment in those areas will go for ~$4,800. More affordable neighborhoods with an average rent of under $3,000 include The Lower East Side, Financial District and the East Village. For much more affordable (and usually more space) apartments, you’ll want to look in uptown Manhattan. In neighborhoods like Harlem, East Harlem, Washington Heights or Inwood you’ll be able to find rents under $2,500 per month.
In Brooklyn, the average rent is $2,650. The most expensive neighborhoods for Brooklyn are Dumbo, Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens and Williamsburg with rent prices over $3,000. Less expensive and popular neighborhoods include Bedstuy, Bushwick and Crown Heights with an average rent of ~$2,400. In the Bronx, the average rent is around $2,241, while in Queens, the average is $2,186. You may also consider living across the Hudson River, in Jersey City or Hoboken, where the rents are even more affordable. There are many new luxury buildings a lot of space and rents around $2,000 per month. As you could tell, where you live can make a huge difference in what you’ll pay for rent.
Moving to NYC on a budget and not sure where to live? You can read our Guide to NYC's Cheapest Neighborhoods and hone in on areas that won't burn a hole in your pocket, living you a few extra bucks to enjoy the finer things New York City has to offer (or maybe just enough for a cup of coffee). Of course, sharing accommodations with a roommate is an instant 50% on top of that.
How to Use Diggz's Roommate Finder to Look for Roommates
Everyone is different, so finding the right roommate or room for rent isn’t always that easy. But we have your back. First, tell us a little about yourself. Start with the basics such as your budget, move date and preferred areas. Then, tell us about your lifestyle and preferences, such as your schedule, habits and sociability. By knowing more about you, our algorithm can better match you with potential roommates with similar lifestyles and preferences. Once you complete the signup, you can interact with potential roommates who we will present to you based on the best fit.
Use Our Roommate Finder to Make Searching Easier
There are a lot of people that are looking for roommates and rooms at any given time in New York. But with our roommate finder, you’ll be able to pick out the right ones for you. After signup, we'll present the top prospects that will be a good fit for you. Using the filters you can further narrow down prospects, then review the profiles of your favorite potential roommates. You can contact those you want to learn more about with a message or a "like". You’ll be able to chat with them directly on our platform, and schedule to meet in person if they seem as a good fit. It can be that easy to find a roommate that’s going to be a perfect match for you.
If the glitz and glamour of New York City sounds like the perfect place to call home, start looking through our roommate search now. You’ll find plenty of people in New York City who are looking for a roommate, which means it’ll be easy for you to find the perfect person to live with. Check out all Diggz has to offer to find the perfect roommate today.
Related Blog Posts to Help You Look for NYC Roommates:
Whether you're new to the city or have been here for years, our blog posts offer practical tips to help you find the perfect NYC roommate:
- Not sure where to start? Read our How To Find Roommates Guide for a step-by-step guide on when, where, how, and what to look for.
- Meeting your future roomie prospect? Check out our Roommate Questionnaire to cover all the basics and more.
- Once you find a new roommate, use our Roommate Agreement Checklist to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Are you a student or recently graduated? Don't miss our Tips for Living in NYC on a Budget.
- Make sure you are financially prepared to move to NYC.
FAQs about Finding Roommates in NYC:
What is the best place to find a roommate in NYC?
Diggz is one of the leading roommate-finder platforms in New York City. With thousands of users, flexible filters, robust bios, and easy-to-use messaging, finding the right roommate is simple. Other options include Facebook groups and platforms like Reddit, but Diggz stands out with curated profiles and verified users, ensuring high-quality inquiries.
What are the most popular neighborhoods for finding a roommate in NYC?
NYC offers a variety of neighborhoods with vibrant roommate scenes. Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, and Harlem are popular choices for affordable options, while Williamsburg and the Upper East Side are sought after for higher-end living. Explore more insights about these neighborhoods in our Affordable NYC Neighborhood Guide.
Who typically is looking for roommates in NYC?
Based on our data, the average person looking for a roommate in NYC is 27 years old and has an average budget of about $1337. As for gender, 52% are women, 45% are men, and 3% identify as non-binary. NYC attracts students, young professionals, and remote workers, all seeking affordable and flexible housing options.
Does it cost anything to sign up or use Diggz?
Using Diggz is completely free. You can post room listings, find roommates, and use essential app features without any charges. You have the option to upgrade your account to Diggz Premium for access to extra features and boosting your listing.
How does Diggz match me with potential roommates?
Diggz's algorithm considers your personality, lifestyle, and preferences to match you with suitable roommates and rental options, ensuring a positive living experience. When you start your search, the best options for you will be ranked at the top. To ensure you also show up at the top of other's roommate search results, make sure you have a complete and verified profile. Learn more about our Roommate Matching Algorithm.
How long does it take for my roommate listing to be live?
Once you complete a quick sign up and create your profile, your listing will be live immediately. All Diggz members will be able to see it, and you can proactively search and engage with prospective roommates right away.
Can I find a roommate to team up with me to find a place?
Absolutely! Many members on Diggz are looking not only for rooms for rent but also for someone to partner with to find a new place. In fact, many matches on the platform occur between two individuals who are seeking to team up for this exact purpose.
How does Diggz ensure profiles are genuine and safe?
We use AI-powered detection tools and manual reviews to identify and remove suspicious or spam profiles, keeping Diggz as a safe place to find roommates. Additionally, we feature vetted profiles and offer several ways to get vetted including ID, phone, social network and references. Finally, we encourage users to communicate safely within the platform and you can flag any concerns promptly. For added security, we suggest meeting potential roommates in public spaces or scheduling a video call before signing an agreement.
How secure is my data on Diggz?
At Diggz, your security is our priority. We use end-to-end encryption to protect personal information and follow GDPR/CCPA standards. We never sell your data and permanently delete all personal information upon account deletion. Regular security audits ensure we stay ahead of industry best practices.
Search for Roommates in Popular Areas around NYC:
- Brooklyn: A diverse and dynamic borough known for its vibrant culture and neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Park Slope.
- Bronx: An affordable area with rich history, offering a variety of living options near cultural landmarks.
- Manhattan: The heart of NYC, featuring everything from luxury rentals to affordable shared housing in neighborhoods like East Harlem and Lower East Side.
- Queens: A melting pot of cultures, known for its affordable housing and access to both city life and suburban vibes.
- Jersey City: Located just across the river from Manhattan, this growing city offers more space and lower rents while still being close to NYC.
- Hoboken: A popular choice for young professionals, offering waterfront views and easy access to NYC.
Explore Off-Campus Housing and Roommates in NYC:
New York City is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, attracting students from all over the globe. If you're looking for off-campus housing near your university, it's essential to find an affordable, safe, and convenient place to live while balancing the demands of student life. Whether you’re seeking housing near the heart of Manhattan or in quieter boroughs like Brooklyn or Queens, there are numerous options to fit your budget and lifestyle. Explore the universities below for off-campus housing and roommate options tailored to students:
- Columbia University: Located in the Upper West Side, close to Central Park and offering a vibrant student community.
- New York University (NYU): Situated in Greenwich Village, a trendy area known for its artistic and academic spirit.
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): Close to Chelsea and Midtown, providing access to fashion industry opportunities and vibrant nightlife.
- Pratt Institute: Located in Brooklyn, Pratt offers creative and affordable housing options in a lively borough.
- Pace University: Offering housing near the financial district, perfect for students seeking proximity to internships and professional opportunities.
- Fordham University: Located in the Bronx, Fordham students can find nearby affordable and quiet housing options while staying close to the campus.
- St. John's University: Housing near St. John's offers suburban living with easy access to city life, great for students preferring a quieter atmosphere.
- Brooklyn College: Find affordable and convenient student housing in neighborhoods like Flatbush and Midwood.
- Baruch College: Located near Gramercy Park, offering housing options in the heart of Manhattan.
- Hunter College: Convenient housing near the Upper East Side, a quieter, more residential part of the city.
- Hofstra University: Located in Long Island, offering suburban living options with close proximity to the city.
- The New School: Located in the heart of downtown Manhattan, providing access to artistic and creative hubs throughout the city.
- Looking for more options? Browse Off-Campus Housing near NYC for more listings near top universities.